"The Eastern Freeway was necessitated after Mumbai began experiencing phenomenal growth in population, which was 11.9 million in 2001 and is expected to touch 14 million mark in 2016," Asthana said.

The project was undertaken by MMRDA under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

"The elevated road will provide faster connectivity between city, suburbs and the main land. The public transport and intercity buses towards Pune, Goa and Bangalore will be able use the freeway and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) to avoid congested road network of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and save, at least, one hour," he said.

The express services of BEST between city and eastern suburbs, Navi Mumbai will also be able to utilise this crucial link, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, Ashwini Bhide said.